Monday, July 21, 2008

It's Here!!!

It's really here!!! Our little, tiny, town, (that's what people think it is although we are the second largest city in Kern County) now has a Starbucks. Brian and I couldn't resist. We were there for the 5 AM opening. About 9:30 AM, after taking our German Shepard to the vet, Brian and Bryce stopped by and then Brian and I helped "close" the store about 10 PM making it third-time-charm for Brian. Guess this lets you know we are Starbucks fan. Now we have to plan a week-end for Mark and Debbie to come and celebrate. They are our Starbucks partners. LOL

Carissa - The opening exceeded their expected sales by more than four times. I think Delano will keep it very busy.

Kevin - We are just glad to have Starbucks in our town. Even my six year old loves Starbucks. LOL

Virginia - We have been so envious of Porterville through the years. Our city government has stifled growth for years. Cal State Bakersfield University wanted to come to Delano and they denied that!!! Isn't that nuts?!?!? We have had so many wonderful corporations that have wanted to come to Delano and they are always run off. BUT....if it is a dollar store, prison, Mexican food, pizza, or video store,it will be readily welcomed. Wal-Mart has been trying to come here for years and one local merchant has sued to try and stop it. Crazy stuff!!! We are glad we finally got a little break and Starbucks is now here.

HAHAHAHAHAHA that is hilarious!!!!! Delano sounds like Cullman, AL. I am really cracking up. We don't have a Starbucks either(prob.a good thing. I spent a lot of college money there in Sac). However we do have Booksamillion with a cafe and let me tell you... that's our second home. I can't believe a little Alabama town has Delano beat by a SuperWalmart though. HAhaha.. that's our shopping mall... literally. They have EVERYTHING.

You know, there are a number of Starbucks in Winston-Salem, and my husband and I are probably the only people who have never been to Starbucks. They serve very expensive coffee drinks folks, not ambrosia. LOL

Just wanted to give you an FYI on Starbucks. They have to get rid of all there bake goods on a daily bases. When I found this out I went down to one of our local Starbucks and asked if they would be willing to donate it to our church. They where happy and very willing to donate it to us since it is a tax right off for them. After Sunday morning service we would set up and pass it out to our visitors and to the congregation. They will also donate some coffee as well, we have only asked for the coffee one time when we have something special going on. Not many people know about this and I think it is a great way to reach out to the community. I would pick up twice a week and would take most of it to recovery homes, and pass it out to the homeless and to big families.

Gotta love starbucks!!! We don't have a starbucks where I go to school so I have to frequent the campus coffee shop or the coffee bean in town but everytime I go to Conway to visit my sister I have to go to starbucks at least once!

We were happy when Starbucks came to our city last year too. There is a lady from our local supermarket that I have befriended, and we've met there a few times for coffee and talk. It's a great meeting place.

Mark - we need to let the "new" fade just a little because they have been out of everything by evening time. Maybe first part of September?

VDL - our city government has a lot to be desired. We do have a new councilman on board that is progressive but he needs mroe support. We need to replace a few more councilmen.

Helen - I expected that answer from you and you are not alone. My mom and in-laws don't frequent Starbucks either. It seems most Starbucks customers are younger businessmen, university students, etc. I have found, however, that not all drinks are expensive. My kids can get a (requested 135 degree) hot chocolate for $1 or a blended juice (ice and juice put in a blender so the juice is like an icee). They love those drinks. Regular coffee is an average cost but the more expensive drinks are the mixed/flavored coffees or frappucinos. When I am out of town, I like to take my computer to a Starbucks where they have internet service. The atmosphere is nice and the seats comfy.

Tracie - we have a pastor friend who lives in an urban area and he does use Starbucks as an outreach to meet new people.

Anonymous - thanks for the tips.

Yvonne - if you were here, I'd take you to our new Starbucks but with a warning - THEY DON'T HAVE CHICKEN FINGERS! LOL

Ronda - thanks. We're excited to have the new place.

Carol - It is a great place to meet. Especially with a pastry and drink. :)

Jennifer - we don't usually go three times a day, but Brian was just excited and wanted to take advantage of the "grand" opening.

Than - now that we don't have to drive 40 miles to a Starbucks, we will save gas and have more to spend at Starbucks. LOL Life is rough without Starbucks! :)

Actually, we've been threatening to go to Starbucks. But Bill doesn't drink coffee at all and is slightly lactose intolerant, so it's kind of like a joke that we keep telling. Actually, we don't go out to eat (or, in this case, drink) very often. We're kind of home bodies, not drink-snobs. LOL

Helen - "drink snobs" LOL My mother and mother-in-law are both home-bodies. In fact, I have often said my mother-in-law would make a perfect hermit. She loves silence. We do get her to out occasionally and she is even a good sport and will go to Starbucks with us. Funny thing is, I don't like the taste or smell of coffee! I only get drinks that do not have any coffee in them. I do enjoy a hot tea and Black Forest Ham, Egg and Aged Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich.

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Meet Jana

Born in 1960, you can say she's a boomer. She's married to the love of her life, Brian, who is also her pastor, mom to three gorgeous kids, and wears many different "hats." Her personal passion is singing and she recorded her first CD which was released February 2007. You can hear clips at her website, www.janaallard.com.